The Links At Spanish Bay
Pebble Beach, CA • Public
Sherman Chu
Jeff Marsh
Channing Benjamin
Overview
The Links at Spanish Bay was the first true links course built in America in many decades, but it took years for conveyor belts to deposit sand atop exposed bed rock to return this mined-out sand quarry back to a linkland site. The trio of designers, playfully dubbed "The Holy Trinity," thoughtfully shaped an 18 that looks natural, plays strategically and is sensitive to the coastal wetland environment.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked 95th, 1991-'92. Ranked 99th, 1997-'98.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked from 2013 through 2018.
Highest ranking: No. 186, 2013-'14.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since inaugural edition in 2003-'04.
Highest ranking: No. 44, 2017-'18.
Previous ranking: No. 53.
2023-'24 ranking: No. 48.
Best in State: Ranked in the top 30 in all editions.
2023-'24 ranking: 32nd.
Previous ranking: 29th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The Links at Spanish Bay is situated in a spectacular setting along the Monterey Bay. It was designed by a team, including Tom Watson and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Unfortunately, it runs third on the list compared to the other courses at the Pebble Beach resort with Pebble Beach and Spyglass well ahead of Spanish Bay. In any other situation, Spanish Bay would be considered a frontrunner, but it’s hard to be compared to the world class courses nearby. In 2026 the course will be shut down to be completely renovated by the team of Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. With such an incredible setting, the new course should prove to be part of the conversation of which of the three courses is considered the best!"
Read More2025
Review
“With ocean views on most holes it is a very captivating layout. It is scheduled for a major remodeling this year."
Read More2025
Review
“Great views with some of the best aesthetics on the front 8 holes than others in Monterey. Challenging yet fun. Greens protect the scoring while shot options are abundant dent. A good overall test."
Read More2025
Review
“A nice test of links golf with greens that are undulating and well protected. Great aesthetics with a majority of the holes playing along or having ocean views. The course has many bunkers and waste areas to navigate. The bunkers are in great shape making it playable."
Read More2024
Review
“Spanish bay was a great test and held most of its defense in the undulations of the greens. When playing inland the course routed very well and I thought increased its layout variety, but the challenge of the wind on the ocean was tempered down. Making it a bit easier to score on. The course offered greens in all sizes and again the inland and ocean front holes created a good variety without making you think two folks made the design. It has a really good flow to it and the bunkers were in tremendous shape and left you making shot option decisions as most were difficult to recover from."
Read More2024
Review
“Beautiful, but playing this course requires patience and several sleeves of balls."
Read More2023
Review
“Scottish like links course set predominately amongst dunes bordering and running down to the Pacific Ocean. All but four of the holes play along and or have views of the ocean. Course was firm when played albeit the fairways did not release / run as expected due to recent rains. Several holes offered risk reward opportunities off the tee or required targeted tee shots to avoid running through the end of the fairway. Accurate tee shots were also a must in order to effectively open up large to moderate sized tiered greens for the second shot. Greens were firm and receptive with most either slopping back to front or having significant ridges or terraces. Fairly constant winds off the ocean also complicated appropriate club selection and added to the overall challenge of playing the course."
Read More2023
Review
“Great views from several holes and a good test of golf."
Read More2023
Review
“The first 8 holes are as good as you'll find in golf. Views of the Pacific go without saying especially with the sun dipping into the ocean coming downhill on the long par five 14th hole. Steep back drop-offs on greens as well as unique distinctiveness, speed and undulation provide plenty of challenge. The final few holes feel like a bit of a letdown with only minimal creativity crafted in, compared with what the front nine presents. The triple bunkering effect on holes 3, 5, 9, 10, 14, 17 and 18 is a nice stylistic tie-together."
Read More2022
Review
“The first 8 holes are as good as you'll find in golf. Views of the Pacific go without saying especially with the sun dipping into the ocean coming downhill on the long par five 14th hole. Steep back drop-offs on greens as well as unique distinctiveness, speed and undulation provide plenty of challenge. The final few holes feel like a bit of a letdown with only minimal creativity crafted in, compared with what the front nine presents. The triple bunkering effect on holes 3, 5, 9, 10, 14, 17 and 18 is a nice stylistic tie-together."
Read More2022
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